What modification have you carried out that you're most pleased with?

Andy Cox

Andy Cox

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Falmouth, Cornwall
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As the title suggests really.............what modification have you carried out to your pride and joy that you would be most pleased about?

For myself, although I'm gradually working through a list of changes, fixes and improvements, my highlight has to be converting the two toilets from electric sea to fresh water flush. The difference it has made has been great. No more horrible smells when coming on board and flushing the loo for the first time in a while!

Other items on my list include getting the cctv up and running so that it talks to the Simrad NSS plotter on the FB so I can see behind me when berthing stern to and also set up a wireless router so I can check in on it remotely and possibly install a second small genny as an alternative to running the 12kva unit constantly.

I've also been going round the boat looking for anything that might rattle, including all locker and galley doors etc and sticking small rubber pads behind them in an effort to make everything that little bit quieter. When you start looking, it's amazing all the little things that you'll find that can make a difference.

Andy
 
I have not done much
But I did fit AIS a couple of years ago which involved some drilling /cutting of GRP for the antenna and the GPS antenna. The hardest part being threading the cables for the antennas.
I have started fitting the Raymarine 260 that santa brought me. The speaker is in. I will have some dismantling and re-arranging of existing cables to do to accommodate the base unit (which is bigger then I had imagined). Unfortunately the power cable is a little too short for my needs but that is easily sorted out.
I removed the flying saucer TV antenna and fitted a concealed antenna but reception is not so good so the flying saucer may need to return.
Like most boats there have been a number of minor faults. I fixed the domestic water pump by taking it apart and fitting new O rings - when everyone told me it would not work. Two years on and it is still working - or was when I last tried it.
I have also taken to doing my own engine oil changes / servicing and quite enjoyed it.
 
I have made several mods to my boat. Here are the ones that I found very useful:
- Diesel heater: Extended the number of days that I spend on the boat (Cost: EUR 4000 for 2 sets of 5,5 kW heaters and ducting)
- Remote control for autopilot: While pootling, I can sit anywhere and steer the boat. Very useful for long passages. (Cost: EUR 500 for the Raymarine pack that I have)
- Wind speed indicator: I set the alarm to 15-18 knots and go to sleep when at anchor. Wind is the first indicator of several things that may happen. (Cost: circa EUR 500 including set and wiring)
- Solar panels: Drastically reduced the number of hours that I run the genny, increased my overall comfort on the boat as I don’t need to check for battery status continiously. (Cost: Circa EUR 3000 including 4 x 500 W panels, MPPT charger, wiring)
- Chain counter: Helped me to anchor better by letting enough chain out in proportion to depth. (Cost: circa EUR 400 including digital screen and wiring)
- Anchor update to Ultra: Increased anchoring performance drastically. (Cost: EUR 3.000 for 60 kg Ultra Anchor)

There are several others but these are the ones that really made difference at my boating life.
 
Nice question.

I have done a significant refit but the best bang for buck have been

- chain counter and anchor cam. Makes anchoring so much simpler
- usb sockets everywhere which keep everyone happy
- led underlighting in many places that gives a nice soft welcoming lights in cabins, saloon and flybridge
- a second fridge !

I could go on but the above seem to make the boat a nicer and easier place to be
 
I've done a fair bit to my T40 but probably the best mod was making it about 500mm longer, by extending the bathing platform. Has transformed our use of the boat in the summer season.
 
Andy Cox said:
As the title suggests really.............what modification have you carried out to your pride and joy that you would be most pleased about?

For myself, although I'm gradually working through a list of changes, fixes and improvements, my highlight has to be converting the two toilets from electric sea to fresh water flush. The difference it has made has been great. No more horrible smells when coming on board and flushing the loo for the first time in a while!

Other items on my list include getting the cctv up and running so that it talks to the Simrad NSS plotter on the FB so I can see behind me when berthing stern to and also set up a wireless router so I can check in on it remotely and possibly install a second small genny as an alternative to running the 12kva unit constantly.

I've also been going round the boat looking for anything that might rattle, including all locker and galley doors etc and sticking small rubber pads behind them in an effort to make everything that little bit quieter. When you start looking, it's amazing all the little things that you'll find that can make a difference.

Andy
Click to expand...
Andy, did you do a thread on changing your toilet to freshwater?
But to answer your question, I changed my crane from manual winches to electric. Which means I can launch my rib and the wife’s surfboard using remote controls.
 
Talking of freshwater, after suggesting several years ago a system for flushing engines with freshwater (but never actually making it, on the old lady), eventually I took the bull by the horn last year on the new to me boat, and made a direct connection to the fresh water circuit for just about everything, on top of the engines: genset, a/c, shaft seals.
So, whenever I know that the boat is not going to be used for a while, leaving her with no salt water anywhere inside is just a matter of turning some valves and running the equipment to be flushed.
Obviously, only time will tell how effective this modification will be, but having seen how boats look like on the lake and on the sea after a similar timeframe, I'm pretty confident that the result will be very noticeable.
And it costed less than the cushions reupholstery, which was essential according to swmbo… Aaarumph! :p
 
Having owned my boat for 13 years so far, I have done a ton of stuff to her!

The best mods though, were fitting hydraulics to the radar arch (great for the plethora of low bridges on the Thames) and fitting a diesel gen set.

Latest mod was installing a three channel GSM switch - really gimmicky, but now I can dial up the boat and run the heating, generator and switch on deck lights ready for when we get there on a cold winters night.... time will tell if it’s worth the £8 per month SIM card charges.
 
Thanks jrudge. I initially tried an ID mobile sim (cheap!) but it refused to work with 3G messaging. Had a few long conversations with them trying to figure it out, and whilst they were helpful, they were very limited in their understanding of what I was trying to achieve. Kept asking for screen messages and signal strength, which, of course, I couldn’t see as there is no screen!

Tried a Vodafone sim from my work mobile, which worked fine - hence, trip to carphone warehouse for a Vodafone card.
 
Bouba said:
Andy, did you do a thread on changing your toilet to freshwater?
But to answer your question, I changed my crane from manual winches to electric. Which means I can launch my rib and the wife’s surfboard using remote controls.
Click to expand...

I haven't done a thread on the freshwater conversion yet. I think i wanted to see if it was all going to work properly first, but this has prompted me to do it. I'll get it done in the next day or so.

Ahhhhhh...........a crane! That's something I'm on the look out for as I keep our 2.7m airdeck on the aft deck canopy and it's quite a faff launching from there without the benefit of a crane.

Andy
 
rubberduck said:
Seakeeper, part of a massive refit with all new electrics, watermaker, hinged mast & domes, you name it.
When tested in the Solent it reduced roll by 87%, & more importantly got official wife approval.
A close second is the IPS remote !

https://www.dockmate.eu/products
Click to expand...

I'd love some sort of roll stabilisation system, but it ain't going to happen, mainly due to the cost involved and also the space requirements. I generally find that if I can keep my FPO (Fun Prevention Officer) comfortable on board then the whole boating experience is so much more enjoyable, but stabilisation is a step too far.

Andy
 
Eren said:
I have made several mods to my boat. Here are the ones that I found very useful:
- Diesel heater: Extended the number of days that I spend on the boat (Cost: EUR 4000 for 2 sets of 5,5 kW heaters and ducting)
- Remote control for autopilot: While pootling, I can sit anywhere and steer the boat. Very useful for long passages. (Cost: EUR 500 for the Raymarine pack that I have)
- Wind speed indicator: I set the alarm to 15-18 knots and go to sleep when at anchor. Wind is the first indicator of several things that may happen. (Cost: circa EUR 500 including set and wiring)
- Solar panels: Drastically reduced the number of hours that I run the genny, increased my overall comfort on the boat as I don’t need to check for battery status continiously. (Cost: Circa EUR 3000 including 4 x 500 W panels, MPPT charger, wiring)
- Chain counter: Helped me to anchor better by letting enough chain out in proportion to depth. (Cost: circa EUR 400 including digital screen and wiring)
- Anchor update to Ultra: Increased anchoring performance drastically. (Cost: EUR 3.000 for 60 kg Ultra Anchor)

There are several others but these are the ones that really made difference at my boating life.
Click to expand...

I'm keen to fit a diesel hot air heater to supplement the reverse cycle air con. I like the idea of being able to run the heating without having to be plugged into shore power or have the genny running. I'm seriously tempted to go down the Chinoise route, as per a popular thread that seems to be going on forever!

The wind speed indicator is a great idea and something else lurking on my list, as is the chain counter.

Andy
 
jrudge said:
Nice question.

I have done a significant refit but the best bang for buck have been

- chain counter and anchor cam. Makes anchoring so much simpler
- usb sockets everywhere which keep everyone happy
- led underlighting in many places that gives a nice soft welcoming lights in cabins, saloon and flybridge
- a second fridge !

I could go on but the above seem to make the boat a nicer and easier place to be
Click to expand...

Having a teenage daughter makes a plethora of USB sockets an absolute no brainer. Apart from the galley, most of the 240 double sockets are the type with integrated usb sockets. I'm also fitting usb sockets at the FB and also the lower helm that will run off the batteries.

The second fridge is also important. We have one fridge in the galley and an integrated fridge freezer in the saloon. This is mainly used for chilling the Budweiser, the Pinot and making the oh so important ice cubes for the G&T's. I think SWMBO did try putting some food in it last year, but I soon put a stop to that:very_drunk:

Andy
 
rosssavage said:
Having owned my boat for 13 years so far, I have done a ton of stuff to her!

The best mods though, were fitting hydraulics to the radar arch (great for the plethora of low bridges on the Thames) and fitting a diesel gen set.

Latest mod was installing a three channel GSM switch - really gimmicky, but now I can dial up the boat and run the heating, generator and switch on deck lights ready for when we get there on a cold winters night.... time will tell if it’s worth the £8 per month SIM card charges.
Click to expand...

I was looking at GSM switches the other day as I like the idea of being able to turn the lights on before we arrive. I also want to run a 4G router so we can have independent internet on board and so I can remotely access the security cameras, but I haven't worked out yet how to do all this without having more than one sim contract. Mind you, I haven't put much effort into it yet either!

Andy
 
Andy Cox said:
I'd love some sort of roll stabilisation system, but it ain't going to happen, mainly due to the cost involved and also the space requirements. I generally find that if I can keep my FPO (Fun Prevention Officer) comfortable on board then the whole boating experience is so much more enjoyable, but stabilisation is a step too far.

Andy
Click to expand...

FPO, love it :D
 
Answering the Q the one thing that fits is unbelievably simple .
It’s a sun shade made from a white large sheet with coresponding zips sewn on the sides that fit the Bimini .
It’s zipped to the Bimini to provide shade on demand from a low sun .We can move it about as it suits ( side . Front . Back )
and the lower edge that may flap has eyelets for bungee cord .
Result is relatively shady and cooler place for those that prefer .
 
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